2009 Andre Brunel "Les Cailloux" Châteauneuf-du-Pape

SKU #107476495 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The Les Cailloux 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah and other permitted grape varieties) may be the finest regular cuvee produced at this estate, even eclipsing the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. A beautiful deep, plum/garnet color is followed by notes of ripe figs, licorice, tobacco leaf, sweet herbs, pepper and sumptuous quantities of kirsch and blacker fruits. Intense and full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a plump, sexy, voluptuous style, it begs for consumption now and over the next 10-15 years.
(10/2011)

91-92 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

Opaque ruby. Dark berries, violet and a whiff of fresh peppercorn on the nose, complicated by mineral and licorice notes. Sweet, creamy dark fruit is given definition and lift by firm acidity. Suave, fine-grained, and round, showing the ripe side of the vintage but in no way blowsy. Finishes with powerful spice notes and admirable persistence.
(4/2011)

91 points
Wine Spectator

Bright and juicy, this is still quite primal, with ebullient cassis, linzer torte and blackberry fruit pumping out, before more serious tar and ganache flavors harness the back end. There's a good juicy feel through the finish. This should settle in nicely in the cellar. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault. Best from 2014 through 2024.
(6/2012)

Additional Information:

Varietal:

Rhone Blends

Country:

France

- When it comes to wine, France stands alone. No other country can beat it in terms of quality and diversity. And while many of its Region, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne most obviously, produce wine as rare, as sought-after and nearly as expensive as gold, there are just as many obscurities and values to be had from little known appellations throughout the country. To learn everything there is to know about French wine would take a lifetime. To understand and appreciate French wine, one only has to begin tasting them. Click for a list of bestselling items from all of France.

Sub-Region:

Rhone

- Legendary wine-producing region in southeast France. Stereotypically speaking, Rhone wines are high in alcohol, and the majority produced is red. The northern Rhone is best known for outstanding 100% Syrah wines from areas such as Cote Rotie and Hermitage, as well as for fabulous white wines from Condrieu (where Viognier is king). In the southern Rhone, look for spicy, full-bodied wines that are blends of Grenache, Syrah, and other varietals coming from appellations such as Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, or Rasteau. Wines labeled as Cote du Rhone or Cotes du Rhone Village (a cut above generic Cotes du Rhone) are frequently found here in the US because they often represent some of the best values on the market. View our bestselling Rhone Valley wines.